Winter keeps covering up a “couple tattoo” at an event — Korean media mocks: “Is loving Jungkook that stressful?”

Rumors have recently linked two major K-pop acts—BTS and aespa’s WINTER—in a possible relationship. While neither side has confirmed the reports, they also haven’t clearly denied them, and WINTER’s recent “covering up” has sparked online sarcasm, with some netizens mocking her as being “guilty” or “nervous.”

On December 25, WINTER attended the SBS Gayo Daejeon in Incheon. She appeared on the red carpet in an off-shoulder gown, with both arms uncovered—drawing immediate attention from Korean media. A closer look, however, suggested that the three dog tattoos on her arm appeared to have been concealed or covered. Korean outlets didn’t hold back, making snarky remarks like, “Do you regret the couple tattoo?” and “Is dating Jungkook really that stressful?”

In fact, WINTER was also seen seemingly covering the tattoo at the MMA event last Saturday. Online speculation claims she and BTS member Jungkook share matching “three-dog” couple tattoos. Meanwhile, Jungkook previously appeared in a video showing only his heavily tattooed right arm; even when his clothing looked messy, he still didn’t reveal the left arm that some suspect may carry a “couple tattoo,” fueling further debate.

Fans, however, have pushed back, saying Jungkook’s right hand was uncovered simply because he was applying ointment, and insisting there is no couple tattoo on his left arm. Others argue he would never get a couple tattoo on a spot considered “important for ARMY.” Whether the tattoos exist—or whether they’re actually dating—may ultimately be known only to the people involved.